On air at 17&18 GMT: Stephen Hawking - "Heaven is a fairy story"
| 14:43 UK time, Tuesday, 17 May 2011
This topic was discussed on World Have Your Say on 17 May 2011. Listen to the programme.
In an interview with newspaper, Stephen Hawking has said that there is no heaven. He said it is "a fairy story for people afraid of the dark"
His comments are being blogged about and tweeted all over the world.
Elizzie in Ohio tweets
Stephen Hawking, you couldn't be more wrong. It's because heaven IS real that we do NOT fear death.
Writing in the , Rabbi Brad Hirschfield disagrees with Stephen Hawking
"Whether he is correct or not is not something anyone can know for sure. We can believe as we choose, but we cannot "know" as a matter of fact, either way."
This article in argues that his comments don't matter. It's because of what a belief in heaven offers that people are inclined to it.
Daniel Kruger, an evolutionary psychologist at the University of Michigan said:
"The idea of an afterlife offers some hope in a world where, historically, life has been pretty harsh. Thoughts of heaven may also stave off fears of death."
But some people agree with his argument.
Melissa posts on Facebook
Mr. Hawking is right. Heaven is a fairy tale and god is a mythological creature. Our world would be so much better without religion.
De la Chris posts on Facebook
I feel quite strongly that god and heaven are not real. I don't care if others believe differently. It's unfortunate, but atheism is still seen as such an awful thing. It shouldn't be. It's okay not to believe in god.
This says
There is life after death "for those who are remembered for their good deeds, they maintain a wonderful life after death but only in the minds of those who knew them."
What do you think? Do you agree or is this an unnecessary attack on religion? Is a belief in heaven ok if it offers comfort?
